1D Multi-Structured Micro/nanomaterials with Special Wettability

With the progresses in material sciences, the generation of microscopic materials experiences an architectural evolution process from simple to complex. The complex interior structures will enable such materials a number of potential applications. Here we fabricated a series of multi-structured fabric micro-/nanomaterials by a facile electrospinning method and investigated their applications in wettablility, absorption, and water collections etc. We fabricated superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic films with tunable surface structures and composition. Then we further made responsive film that could switch between superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic state by controlling temperature. Moreover, we created a hydrophobic and hydrophilic composite film that exhibited novel unidirectional water penetration property. We also explored wettability of a single fiber. By mimicking the natural spider silk structures, we fabricated periodic spindle shaped microfiber that could collection water from fog. Above mentioned materials have found applications in removing oil pollution from water, smart water penetration film, and water collection. References: [1] Y. Zhao, et al, Adv. Mater., 23, 2861 (2011). [2] Y. Zhao, et al, Nature, 463, 640 (2010). [3] Y. Zhao, et al, Adv. Mater., 21, 3621 (2009).